Milestones

In high school, he was interested in science; the “popular” field at the time was oceanography, so he decided to study that.

He went to the University of Southern California, where the introductory oceanography course plan included a geography class.

Right away, he was hooked on geography; he loved being able to study a rock formation and see what it’d been through.

While he was in California, he realized how lucky he’d been to grow up in Hawaii, such a geographically unique spot.

After interning with the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, he returned to Hawaii.

He earned his Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, then joined the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

In 2004, he was named the 19th scientist-in-charge of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory—the first of Hawaiian ancestry.

After serving as scientist-in-charge for ten years, he transitioned back into a research position as a geophysicist.

Keep following my journey

Education

High School

BachelorGeology/Earth Science, GeneralPomona College

GraduateGeophysics and SeismologyUniversity of Hawaii at Hilo

DoctorateGeophysics and SeismologyUniversity of Hawaii at Hilo

Career

Geophysicist

I am a research geophysicist studying volcanoes on the island of Hawai`i.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Science

Environment & Nature

Accomplishing Goals

Day to Day

I monitor the activity of Hawaiian volcanoes and then assess if they are a threat. I also have to figure out where lava flows are going, how to divert them if possible, or evacuate people if necessary.

Skills & Qualities Beyond School

An understanding of basic geology is essential. It's also important to have an overall curiosity about the natural world.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for high school students

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

BachelorGeology/Earth Science, General

GraduateGeophysics and Seismology

DoctorateGeophysics and Seismology

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"Why would you want to work on a volcano? Aren't you afraid of it erupting?"

I study these volcanoes so closely that I would know if anything bad was going to happen. I'm fascinated by them.

Challenges I Overcame

Relocation

Relocation

I went away for college, but I was constantly missing Hawai'i. Studying geology actually helped me ease those feelings.